Downtown C-pass

C-pass Member Resources

How To Get Your C-pass

  • If your company doesn’t offer C-pass yet, check the eligibility map and talk to your employer about signing up your organization.
  • If your company does offer C-pass already, check with your company’s Account Manager or Human Resources department and they’ll create an account for you.
  • Choose your C-pass credential type: smartphone app or photo ID card.
  • Use your C-pass on any COTA route, any time, any day — for work or play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No! C-pass is totally free for its members. The program is funded by Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID) property owners and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Learn more about the program here.

The app works with Androids and with iPhones that are 7th generation and later. Unfortunately, it does not work with Windows phones at this time. You can download the app on work–issued or personal cell phones.

No. C-pass members may use any COTA route at any time, any day of the year! This includes all fixed-route lines (including the Zoo Bus), COTA//Plus on-demand rides and COTA Mainstream paratransit services. That means you can use your C-pass to catch a concert or sporting event, run errands and visit local restaurants, etc.

Yes! There are lots of resources to help you get comfortable with riding the bus, including in-person COTA Travel Training. Talk to your employer about scheduling a Travel Training session for your workplace.

Yes. You can choose between a smartphone app or a photo ID card. Your employer will work with you to select your credential. You may only use one type of credential at a time, but you may switch anytime by contacting C-pass Customer Service.

No. If you share your C-pass with someone, you will be disqualified from the program. This program is only valid for eligible employees in the district.

Gohio Commute offers the Emergency Rides Home program, which reimburses employees who use a rideshare service for emergency situations. Register here, and make sure you check the box which reads, “I would like to participate in the Guaranteed/Emergency Ride Home program” on the last step of registration.

Your C-pass will be deactivated if you are no longer an eligible employee.

Property owners and community partners launched the Downtown C-pass program in 2018 to help bring more jobs downtown, stabilize low-wage positions and encourage more COTA ridership. Due to its strong impact and success in the first few years, C-pass was renewed for an additional five years in 2021. Learn more about the program here.

The Downtown C-pass program is currently funded through Dec. 31, 2025.